OakNorth Branding
New Brand Platform
The brief was for a new Brand Platform and Identity which captured the spirit of the brand to date but looked to the future with the idea that diversification and entrepreneurialism would again play a bigger part in the identity, it has to inspire and compliment their reinvigorated approach to products and services kicking off in 2023.
October 2023 Creative Director, Product Design Director, Squad Lead & Hands-on designer – OakNorth, London
Looking back:
The identity before the rebrand
Before this transformation, OakNorth’s brand identity reflected its early-stage growth — established and professional but leaning toward a more traditional banking aesthetic. While it conveyed trust and stability, it didn’t fully represent the company’s forward-thinking, digital-first ambitions.
This rebrand was an opportunity to refine and elevate OakNorth’s identity, ensuring it resonated with its evolving vision while maintaining the trust it had built.
The new Logo
OakNorth’s new logo is elegant and simple.
The O and the N of the name are combined as an acronym, but more importantly they are the combined ideas of the two words.
The circle is an O but it’s also the seed and protective shell of the Acorn which promises protection and growth. It also represents the rings of the mighty oak as it grows in strength and resilience.
Then there’s the N which provides guidance and hope represented by the compass baring, giving purpose and direction to what is an otherwise directionless shape.
The punchy colours indicate a digital first company that is green first and foremost with 3 secondary colours for distinction.
Our name and Brand up in lights at the NYSE!
– 14 March 2025
OakNorth live on Nasdaq / Time Square
– 18 March 2025
Quotes
“Saving has never looked this sleek. Building your business never felt this bold. We’re OakNorth, and today we look a little different. Why? Because people, ideas, and places change. We’re the building blocks for growth, but we can't achieve that unless we grow and adapt too. Peel us open, and you’ll still find the same values, people, and dedication to fuelling economies, creating jobs, and building homes. But now we’re fresher, bolder, and ready to take the next generation of budding entrepreneurs and tenacious savers even further.”
“Having worked with Annari in two different companies for six years, it will be hard to find and match such a creative, forward-thinking, rounded designer. Annari covers equally brilliantly brand strategy and positioning, product design as well as creative advertising, all whilst leading and motivating her teams to deliver at pace.”